Outboard for Contessa 26

[zlod]

I'm investigating the practicalities of putting an outboard on my Contessa 26 to temporarily replace my inboard engine. Does anyone have any experience of using an outboard with a yacht like this (26ft, long keel, transom hung rudder, Folkboat-like hull profile)?

The outboard would basically be used for getting into and out of the marina.

The reason that this has come about is that the local Vetus dealer who has sold me a Vetus engine is doing nothing about installing it (contrary to his promises). I need a yacht in late May as someone is flying from China to come sailing with me. The alternative plan of chartering a yacht would cost a similar amount to an outboard. Buying an outboard, going sailing and then getting the inboard engine fitted elsewhere seems like a better bet than having broken promises every day - and having boatyard storage fees piling up.

 

[RobinBirch]

Would have thought you could find someone to fit the new engine between now and end May. Perhaps a slightly different mail along the lines of ......Can anyone recommend ...... It may save the cost and hassle of the outboard option.
Good luck.

 

[mikemonty]

I own a Contessa 26 and - though I've never done it - I've considered the practicalities of mounting an outboard if necessary.
I think that it would be very difficult to mount and operate from the transom given the angle of the transom and the length of the aft deck. I might be possible to operate by cables, but what a faff!
I think my preferred option would be a temporary mount on the "hip" (depending on the size of outboard) on a plank fixed to the rail just aft of the cockpit. Maybe with a lifting brackets to get it closer to the water.
Watch out for any rolling though! (It would only be good for marina manoeuvers)

Or even simpler, tie your dinghy and outboard on the hip and use that to manouever instead.

 

[Bajansailor]

There is a Contessa 26 'Teassa' here who has for many years only had an outboard engine on an adjustable height bracket bolted to the transom - their engine is 8 hp I think, and while it is hassle getting it on and off the bracket, it does propel the boat along well.

 

[zlod]

Mike> I'm concerned about the angle of the transom too. I've seen that Folkboats (folkboat.dk) have a bracket that is bolted to the aft deck and then there is some stainless steel that holds a plate onto which an outboard can be attached. Most folkboats have outboard engines, so there must be some good solution for a Contessa 26. The difference between the Contessa 26 and the Folkboat is the pushpit on the Contessa 26: that seems to get in the way of an outboard. Do any folkboat owners have any good suggestions?

LaTouche> I've posted an "anyone got a recommendation" type message on the Bristol Channel forum and am waiting to see what response I get. If there's no-one round the Bristol area that is capable of doing a good job and keeping their promises, then I would think about getting the boat transported down to the south coast where there are presumably professional marine engineers (??).

 

[mikemonty]

That's like scribbling a moustache on the Mona Lisa!

 

[Fascadale]

These people http://www.freewebs.com/sybika-eng/BIKA%20in%20photos.pdf are sailing their CO26 round the world. They have taken out their inboard and have an outboard monted on a bracket on the stern.

Photo of their setup at the bottom of the page

 

[Saddletramp]

I did the same on my Mac 26 for a month last summer when the engine was out of action. I borrowed a 6hp which was not enough, could have done with 8 but it was free. Bracket was around £50. Then you have to have a fuel tank, mine was on the cockpit floor. 11 litres. However, I am in the Solent, not the Bristol channel.

 

[maxi77]

I certainly used a 4hp as an emergency engine on my Maxi77 and found it adequate but not as good as the inboard 9hp diesel. On our Seawych we had a 5hp outboard which was overkill but it did have a 2 lever remote control which made manoeuvring a doddle. For fitting remote control the gear change is relatively easy but you need some extra bits to disconnect the twist grip and connect to the throttle system.